It was Late last night when the Conte Foscari called me into his study.

The Conte told me that he had a mission for me. This is not unusual. I have been part of the Foscari Household since I was a boy, and in these past few years he has often sent me on Missions. Usually he wants me to carry letters for him. So I was not surprised when he handed me some sealed letters but I was surprised when he gave me a Purse of gold for my expenses, and told me he wanted me to take the letters to an Island called Melioria all the way to the south in the bay of Salerno.

I kept a straight face, but was jumping with excitement inside. Im born and bred in Venice, and although I have travelled around the Veneto I have never been further then the lake of Iseo.

I decide to set off a dawn. The Sun was just beginning to rise, but there she was, the young Contessa, with letters in her hand, another purse of gold, and a Mission of her own for me to fulfil.

Please deliver these letters to the Monsignore Giovanni Nani, The Vescovo of Brescia. He will know what to do.

These Letters are for the Princepesa Artemisia di Elswit

Finally when you get to Melioria, I want you to find the Orphan boys I left under the protector ship of the Principe. I want you to make sure that they are either settled in permanent apprenticeships, or if not, I want you to bring them back to the Veneto safe and sound, so that their futures can be looked to here. She looks at me, Please dont fail me Zuanne.

I mount my horse and with a last look at the peaceful countryside of Torbiato, I set of on my journey.

My first stop will be the town of Brescia. I hope to be there by lunch time.